dingy

adjective

din·​gy ˈdin-jē How to pronounce dingy (audio)
dingier; dingiest
Synonyms of dingynext
1
: dirty, unclean
dingy fingernails
2
: shabby, squalid
a dingy hotel room
dingily adverb
dinginess noun

Examples of dingy in a Sentence

He's been staying in a dingy motel. the bed sheets were pretty dingy so we threw them in the laundry pile
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over time, upholstery turns dingy and develops a less-than-fresh smell. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025 If the towels or sheets in your guest room look dingy or worn, spring for a new set before the holidays. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025 Well, lots, because the Bob Ferguson costume is a bathrobe, a knit hat, some blue blockers, and a dingy T-shirt and slacks. Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Nov. 2025 The DirTect Smart Sensor technology works in real time to analyze just how much dirt is on your surfaces and highlight the extra-dingy areas on the LED display. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dingy

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dingy was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dingy. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

dingy

adjective
din·​gy ˈdin-jē How to pronounce dingy (audio)
dingier; dingiest
: rather dark and dirty : not fresh or clean
a dingy room
dingy colors
dingily adverb
dinginess noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dingy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!